Yesterday afternoon I ate a frozen/microwaved chicken enchilada (w/salsa verde) from Trader Joe's.
Years ago, mainly when still living in L.A., I was eating their prepared foods a lot, and I've started a cautious exploratory return to seeing what their offerings are these days. I like the carne asada burritos, heated up in the microwave, quick and easy, so I wanted to try some enchiladas which I haven't had at home in the longest time. These were pretty okay, I guess, but I cut open the package and took the tray of frozen food out before reading the instructions. For microwaving, you're supposed to make only a one-inch slit in the outer wrap itself -- there's no plastic or anything on the inner tray. Most unusual, methinks. So right away I knew I'd blown it, but I said the hell with it and put the tray back in the wrap and set it in the microwave. I had to extend my heating times, very likely due to my having opened the thing all the way. In the end, it was fine, but I didn't totally love it. Partly, because I felt it skimped on the chicken. And partly, because when something throws you off, you just eye it suspiciously even though it "eats" just fine.
Those carne asadas could probably use a little more carne, themselves, but I love the flavor and all the rest. I think you can heat both of these items in a conventional oven, and I may try that next time when I'm not so impatient. I'm sure it's more pleasing.
Next up, I think: tamales.
